Rob Winn Anderson was there at the beginning of the revamped Garden Theatre, writing and directing the Winter Garden venue’s opening gala in 2008. Now the theater’s artistic director, Anderson will step down at the end of the current season.

The theater announced his departure on Thursday evening.

“Knowing that I’ve helped position the organization for a strong artistic future, I feel ready to begin the next chapter in my life, personally and professionally, and watch the Garden grow as a loyal supporter for many years to come,” Anderson said in a statement.

Executive director Nao Tsurumaki said Anderson’s influence would continue to be felt at the theater.

“Over the past decade, he has dedicated his creative life to the Garden and has cultivated a growing community of artists, audiences and supporters,” Tsurumaki said. “I’m so grateful for his contribution, and we’re excited to celebrate his achievements and legacy.”

After the opening gala, Anderson continued to work on the theater’s productions and later began advising the Garden on artistic decisions. In 2017, shortly after Tsurumaki became executive director, Anderson was named the theater’s first full-time artistic director.

A former professional dancer and a playwright, Anderson is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He wrote and directed more than 100 entertainment projects for Walt Disney World, including the March of the Artimals Parade, which he created for the 1998 opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Several of Anderson’s plays were featured in past Garden seasons, including “A Tennessee Walk” and “Alice Lost In Wonderland” — later renamed “Shattered Alice” — which was produced by Beth Marshall Presents. His musical “Christmas by Committee” had its world premiere at the Garden Theatre in 2014.

Anderson said he departs, thinking of happy times: “I have so many fond memories from the 11 years that I spent as a director, as an artistic director, and of course, as a Garden Theatre fan like everyone else.”

CAPTION

The dancer, who has garnered national attention, did not have his contract renewed.

The dancer, who has garnered national attention, did not have his contract renewed.

CAPTION

The dancer, who has garnered national attention, did not have his contract renewed.

The dancer, who has garnered national attention, did not have his contract renewed.